(Lander, WY) – Folks got their first bite of Fall at the Lander Pioneer Museum’s annual Apple Fest on Saturday, where they sampled apple pies from the event’s pie competition, as well as apple cider fresh-pressed on-site. Despite a summer drought-caused lack of local apples that would have normally been used, organizers were still able to procure enough from local stores for attendees to enjoy the crisp goodness. (You can hear more about this year’s event as well as some of Lander’s rich apple history from organizer/historian Randy Wise here.)
Event favorites returned this year, including the already-mentioned pie competition and pressing machine, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, the apple sauce drinking contest, music from ukulele maestros Uke Can Too, kids’ crafts and history lessons in the Livery Stable, the ever-popular apple slingshot, and an appearance from Apple Fest’s new mascot, Applebert.
Carriage rides at 2026 Apple Fest. h/t Vince Tropea Uke Can To plays some tunes at 2026 Apple Fest. h/t Vince Tropea Applebert poses for a 2026 Apple Fest picture. h/t Vince Tropea Crafts in the Livery Stable. h/t Vince Tropea 2026 Apple Fest attendees read about the local apple history. h/t Vince Tropea Some kiddos enjoy fresh-pressed cider. h/t Vince Tropea Young ones take aim at apple shaped targets for the apple sling shot. h/t Vince Tropea Young ones take aim at apple shaped targets for the apple sling shot. h/t Vince Tropea National Honor Society students prepped and served the applesauce for the applesauce eating contest. h/t Vince Tropea Kiddos do their best to be the first one to chug their applesauce. h/t Vince Tropea Mason raises his hands as the first finisher and winner of the under 7 applesauce eating contest. He won two tickets to the Museum’s Halloween event that will take place in October. h/t Vince Tropea
The apple pie contest once again brought in some amazing baking talent, with a wealth of entries for this year’s Fest. This year’s winners included:
Adult Category – 1st Place: Austen Dopp; 2nd Place: Lauren Molzen; 3rd Place: Maddi Anderson; Honorable Mention: Amy Lott
Kids Category – 1st Place: Tage; 2nd Place: Don Jade; 3rd Place: Haddi Lott; Honorable Mention: Chaisley Jackson
